Caleb Downs began his college football career as a five-star recruit for the Alabama Crimson Tide, leading the SEC with 70 solo tackles through his freshman season in Tuscaloosa.
The superstar safety then transferred to Ohio State before his sophomore season, helping the Buckeyes to a national championship victory as a key leader of the defense. He put together another impressive campaign in 2025, finishing the year with his second consecutive unanimous All-American selection.
With his third college football season now in the rearview, Downs is eligible to enter the 2026 NFL draft.
Downs took to social media with a lengthy message on Wednesday, announcing his decision to declare for the upcoming NFL selection process.
“Wearing the Scarlet and Gray means committing to excellence and chasing the ultimate goal. Being part of a team that brought a National Championship home is something I will always be proud of,” Downs wrote. “Competing for Ohio State these past two years, alongside my teammates, and upholding this tradition has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”
“I have decided to declare for the NFL Draft,” he continued. “I’m grateful for this chapter and proud to forever be a Buckeye.”
Downs’ fellow unanimous All-American teammate, Jeremiah Smith, reposted this announcement on his Instagram story.
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Smith and Downs arrived in Columbus at the same time. Downs as a highly-touted transfer from Alabama, and Smith as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 class.
Smith put up ridiculous numbers through his first two seasons with Ohio State, reeling in 163 catches for 2,558 yards and 27 touchdowns. On Tuesday, the superstar wide receiver announced his intentions to return to Columbus for a third season with the Buckeyes in 2026.
“Not going nowhere,” he wrote on social media.
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Downs is widely considered an early first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft.